GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 12, 2023 – Doug Small has been named vice chair of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Board of Directors.
Small will serve alongside the seven-member board, which is appointed by the Kent County Board of Commissioners and responsible for general oversight of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
Prior to being named vice chair, Small served on the Ford International Airport Authority Board for three years. He brings four decades of experience in hospitality, tourism and destination marketing experience.
“We are thrilled to have Doug serve as our vice chair,” Airport Authority Board Chair Dan Koorndyk said. “His extensive background and prior experience with the Airport make him a great candidate for the position, and we are grateful for his expertise as the Airport invests more than $500 million in infrastructure improvement projects to support West Michigan’s connectivity to the world.”
Small is the president and CEO of Experience Grand Rapids and began his tenure with the organization in September 2008. Since Small's arrival in West Michigan, hotel performance has seen record-level attainments in room revenue and occupancy. Prior to his current role, Small served as senior vice president for Visit Denver, president of the Syracuse Convention Bureau, and had stops in senior leadership positions with destination marketing organizations in Palm Springs and Dayton.
“I am thrilled to continue my service to the Ford International Airport through this new role,” said Small. “As the gateway to West Michigan, the Airport serves as the first impression for all those who visit our community. With these enhancements, we are further elevating our region as a premier destination for leisure and business travelers.”
Small holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel, restaurant and institutional management from Siena Heights University.
About the Gerald R. Ford International Airport
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the second busiest airport in Michigan, serving business and leisure travelers with nonstop and connecting flights on six airlines. The Ford International Airport is managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. For more information, visit www.flyford.org or follow the airport on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram @FlyGRFord.
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